Name: Shrimp Paste Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1/4 cup of hot water; 1 tablespoon of sugar; 3 tablespoons of shrimp paste( kapik); 1 clove of garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons of fresh lime or lemon juice; 1 teaspoon of Sambal Olekek chili paste; 4 chopped hot chili pepper or to your taste (option); 1/2 cup of crushed unsalted roasted peanut(option)

Shrimp Paste Dipping Sauce

Shrimp Paste Dipping Sauce is a beloved culinary delight in Cambodia, cherished for its authenticity and popularity among Cambodians. This sauce, known for its strong fishy aroma, is a favorite among locals for its delicious flavor when used as a dip for an array of food items such as vegetables, fruits, meats, or fish.

To craft this authentic Khmer shrimp paste sauce, gather the following ingredients: hot water, sugar, shrimp paste (kapik), minced garlic, fresh lime or lemon juice, Sambal Olekek chili paste, chopped hot chili peppers (optional), and crushed, unsalted roasted peanuts (optional). Begin by mixing hot water with sugar in a small bowl, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. To this mixture, add shrimp paste, garlic, lime juice, and chili paste, stirring thoroughly to create a well-blended sauce.

Before serving, top the Shrimp Paste Dipping Sauce with chopped fresh hot chili peppers and crushed peanuts, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture. It’s important to note that the sauce can be adjusted to personal taste preferences; for a sweeter profile, add more sugar, while a saltier taste can be achieved by incorporating more shrimp paste. This customizable aspect allows individuals to tailor the sauce to their liking, ensuring a delightful dipping experience.

With its rich and distinctive taste, Shrimp Paste Dipping Sauce encapsulates the essence of Cambodian culinary traditions. Its versatility makes it an ideal companion for a variety of foods, making any meal a flavorful and memorable experience for those who appreciate the unique flavors of Khmer cuisine.

Ingredients

1/4 cup of hot water
1 tablespoon of sugar
3 tablespoons of shrimp paste( kapik)
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of fresh lime or lemon juice
1 teaspoon of Sambal Olekek chili paste
4 chopped hot chili pepper or to your taste (option)
1/2 cup of crushed unsalted roasted peanut(option)

Directions to make Shrimp Paste Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, mix water with sugar, stirs till sugar dissolved.
Add shrimp paste, garlic, lime juice and chili paste,stirs well.
Top with chopped fresh hot chili pepper and crushed peanut before serve.
Note: For sweeter sauce add more sugar, or saltier sauce add more shrimp paste, adjust to your taste.

Enjoy it

Related Recipe: Shrimp and Tiny Green Egg Plant